What is an inexpensive way to advertise and gain more clients as a private dance instructor?

Question

I teach various forms of dance such as Salsa, Cha Cha, Tango, West Coast Swing, Merengue, Bachata, Jazz Dance & Ballet. I prefer not to teach a large class but individual lessons or a small private group. I am listed on Craigslist and on some dance sites as an instructor. And, I would prefer not to pass out flyers or post flyers at community boards. I would like to find out inexpensive ways to advertise or get my name out to interested students.

Answer 1

You simply have to network with your customers. Go to as many social dances as possible, in and out town, in and out of state. Each dance you have with somebody is an opportunity for friendly conversation, and to show that person how well you can dance. Also, others will see you dance. Put a stack of business cards at the front desk (with permission, of course) and hand out cards to people who express interest. Just doing that very simple thing has gained us more business than anything else. You get your name out. People recognize your face. People remember your dancing. You become a part of the community this way. Otherwise, you're just another ballroom instructor who is too good to attend a social.

Do you own a studio? If not, are you employed by a studio? If you answer 'no' to both of these questions, that could be hurting your business right there - students want stability. They want that regular place to go. They also want to feel that their investment in private lessons and competition fees isn't made on somebody who might leave town tomorrow.

Answer 2

The most inexpensive and efficient way to get the word out about your services would be to create your own web site. Obviously, if you have to hire someone to do this, then that would involve a hefty investment, but it should eventually pay off. However, you might try to ask your own clients if they have any experience in designing web pages and offer to trade for free lessons.

The first two places that people looking for private dance lessons turn to are the yellow pages and the internet. Hopefully you are at least listed in the phone book so that your business name and phone number can at least pop up on services like Google Maps. However, when they do a regular internet search, your name is not going to turn up in those just by being listed on Craigslist, and people are less likely to follow through on other listings that don't have their own web sites.

The more searchable terms you include on your web site, the better. Buy a "Dummies" book to learn how to do it yourself.

Answer 3

Have you considered impromptu dancing naked at a major/televised sporting event? perhaps you could pirouette down the field with a website address and/or phone number painted on your bumm... or maybe on a tastefully done up streamer trailing behind you... I reckon that would do the trick (unless, of course, you got arrested and had to pay fines and legal fees. That would be a bummer.)

good luck what ever you decide!

Answer 4

You could look at advertising in community newsletters as an instructor especially schools newsletters. You might also want to think of angles for media coverage.

The best thing would be to sit down and think about who your target audience is. You can then advertise to attract that audience.

Answer 5

Put up flyers in the bathrooms of your favorite clubs around the city.
Go to a club and offer to host a free nite of lessons.

Answer 6

I live in Philadelphia and they have a website for the arts that allows you to announce your services to all the artsy community I dont know where you live, but if you are in/near a major city look for something like that.

Answer 7

1)Flyers

2)Bus. cards

3) Newpaper

4) Internet like a blog

Answer 8

go to clubs, dance with clumsy people, show off in front of them and give them your card